Sunderland Stage Notorious Newcastle Team Photo Following Pivotal Local Rivalry Triumph.

An altered coaching staff and a largely changed squad – but someone at Sunderland wasn't going to forget.

Almost 24 months prior, after a dominant Newcastle performance at the Stadium of Light in an FA Cup tie, the Geordies marked the occasion with a group photo on the pitch.

Now, the script were turned on their head.

Nick Woltemade's own goal proved enough to deliver Sunderland a historic win over their rivals in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 – prompting the hosts to mimic Newcastle's iconic snapshot at full-time.

“Always unpredictable, creative, adaptive,” said with a grin Black Cats manager Regis le Bris when asked about who suggested the photograph.

Defender Dan Ballard, who conceded an own goal in that cup defeat, was the sole Sunderland player to start in the two games.

He explained how he desperately wanted to avenge the loss, stating: “Words can't express it. It was heartbreaking for the players and for the fans. We felt we had failed them, so we're ecstatic with this win.”

“It served as motivation. We came in with improved ability in this team, true characters, we dug deep, fought really hard and I thought we earned the win.”

‘Derbies you have to win, it does not matter how’

Seventh-placed Sunderland are having a outstanding return to the top flight post promotion via the play-offs last season.

The Black Cats have 26 points in 16 games, their best return at this stage of a Premier League campaign since 2000-01.

They are still unbeaten in the league at the Stadium of Light, which had an incredible atmosphere for most of Sunday afternoon.

“Derbies, you have to win, it does not matter how,” said captain Granit Xhaka. “This team merits greater recognition – where we are in the league is incredible and we're working really hard.”

Sunderland are also unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle, their longest such run without defeat against the Magpies.

Newcastle's last league win over Sunderland was over a decade ago.

Manager Regis le Bris said he was “delighted and satisfied” with the result.

“It was a derby and we were carrying the hopes of our fans,” he continued. “This win is fully merited, we were mature and the lads were superb.”

“It's fantastic for the area, the club, the fans. We knew before it was a huge game, but we have to turn the page as we have another hard game in Brighton in one week.”